JPH10282110A - Sample analysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sample analysis system which can increase the flexibility of the system configuration and is suitable for reducing the running cost in the case of an emergency test. . A plurality of analysis units are arranged so as to be interchangeable along a main transport line. System settings are performed prior to analysis. That is, the relationship between the analysis unit to be used and the position where the analysis unit is arranged, that is, setting of the analysis unit at which position and which analysis unit is arranged (1), and what combination of the arranged analysis unit is used. (2) and (4), and setting of analysis items (3) and (4) for each analysis unit, which analysis items are to be analyzed by each analysis unit. This is performed through observation, and the contents are stored and registered in the storage unit 45 of the computer. Furthermore, in the case of an emergency test, the analysis unit is reset through observation of the setting screen, and the corrected content is stored and registered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system configuration method and a sample analysis system in a sample analysis system, and more particularly, to a method of taking a sample from a transport line into a desired one of a plurality of analysis units, analyzing the sample, The present invention relates to a sample analysis system that returns a sample to an original transport line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art From the viewpoint of efficient analysis of a sample, there has been proposed a sample analysis system which includes a plurality of analysis units, and automatically sorts, transports, and analyzes a sample to a desired analysis unit according to an analysis item or the like. ing. Specifically, such a sample analysis system includes a transport line, a plurality of analysis units arranged along the transport line, and a transport device that transports the sample from the one side to the other side on the transport line. ,
A sample moving device that moves the sample from the transport line to the analysis unit so as to analyze the sample, and moves the analyzed sample to the transport line. The technology related to this is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-92171.

[0003]

However, the plurality of analysis units each have a fixed position with respect to the transport line, and thus lack the flexibility of the system configuration. The system has a problem that the efficiency is extremely reduced when the number of samples to be processed increases or the number and types of requested analysis items increase.

[0004] In general, in the case of an urgent test (analysis) as well, as in the case of a general test (analysis), the sample analysis system is operated at full capacity. Therefore, an increase in running cost is a major problem.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample analysis system which can increase the flexibility of the system configuration and is suitable for reducing the running cost in the case of an emergency test.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a transport line for transporting a sample, a plurality of analysis units arranged so as to be interchangeable along the transport line, and the analysis unit for analyzing the sample. A sample moving device that moves a sample from the transport line to the analysis unit and moves the analyzed sample to the transport line, and sets a combination of the plurality of analysis units for general analysis. Is a sample analysis system in which different predetermined analysis units are set for emergency analysis, and a combination of the plurality of analysis units and the predetermined analysis unit are selected and used according to the urgency of analysis. It has the feature.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multi-sample analysis system capable of analyzing samples of serum, plasma, and urine as sample types. The sample analysis system of FIG. 1 includes an analysis unit that supplies a reagent by a dispenser method as shown in FIG. 2 and an analysis unit that supplies a reagent by a pipetter method as shown in FIG. 3 in a mixed manner. The analysis units 3A, 3F, and 3G in FIG. 1 are dispenser-type analysis units having fixed analysis channels, and each of a plurality of reagent discharge nozzles is dedicated to each reagent. The analysis units 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E are pipetter-type analysis units in which the analysis channels are not fixed and are randomly accessed, and one reagent pipetting nozzle dispenses reagents one after another according to the analysis items.

In FIG. 1, the analysis units 3A, 3B, and 3C are set to have analysis conditions for analyzing a sample whose sample type is serum, and the analysis units 3D and 3E are for analyzing a plasma sample. The analysis unit 3F
For 3G and 3G, analysis conditions are set so that a urine sample is analyzed. The analysis units 3A to 3G correspond to the sampling lines 4A to 4G, which are transfer paths having a function of returning the sample rack 1 taken in from the main transfer line 20 to the main transfer line 20 after positioning the sample rack 1 at the sampling position. Identification information reading devices 51 to 57 for reading identification information of the sample rack 1 or identification information of each sample container on the sample rack;
Reaction units 5A to 5G for advancing a reaction according to an analysis item between a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel and optically measuring a reacted liquid.
And a reagent supply unit. 26, 27, 28, 29 of the reagent supply sections of each analysis unit
Are of the pipettor type, and 32, 33 and 34 are of the dispenser type.

The rack sending section 17 has an area in which a large number of sample racks 1 can be set, and has a sending mechanism for sending the sample racks 1 one by one toward the main transport line 20. The rack collection unit 18 has an area for collecting the sample racks 1 containing the samples analyzed and processed by the respective analysis units, and has an alignment mechanism for orderly arranging the sample racks. The temporary storage unit 22 temporarily stores the sample rack 1 sampled by the analysis unit until a measurement result is output, and when the retest is necessary, the sample rack 1 is again stored via the retest rack transport line 25. The sample rack is sent out so as to be transferred by the transfer line 20, and the sample rack is sent out to the rack collection unit 18 when re-examination is unnecessary.

The control device is a computer 40 for overall control.
And an analysis unit-side computer 6A to 6G provided corresponding to each analysis unit and performing necessary processing and control in each analysis unit, and a floppy disk memory 41. The processing of the output signals from the photometers of the respective analysis units is shared by the analysis unit computers 6A to 6G, and the overall control computer 40 connected thereto operates the respective analysis units, the operation of the rack transport system, and the operation of the system. In addition to controlling the operation of the necessary parts, the calculation and control necessary for various information processing are executed. The role assignment between computers is not limited to this, and can be changed to various modes according to the configuration needs,
Alternatively, it is also possible to eliminate the need for the analysis unit side computer by using only the overall control computer 40. The overall control computer 40 includes a storage unit 45, and is connected to an operation unit 42 for data input, a CRT 43 for displaying information on a screen, and a printer 44 for outputting measurement results.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the sample rack 1 is formed of a box-shaped container holder into which a plurality of, for example, five sample containers 2 each containing a sample are loaded. Various things may be used. An identification information medium indicating rack identification information is provided on an outer wall of the sample rack 1,
An identification information medium indicating sample identification information is provided on an outer wall of the sample container 2. Barcode labels, magnetic recording media, and the like are used as these identification information media. The barcode provided on the sample rack 1 has information on the rack number and the sample type. The barcode provided on the sample container 2 contains information on each sample, for example, a reception number,
It has information such as the reception date, patient name, patient number, sample type, sample request analysis item, and the like.

The identification information reading device 50 shown in FIG. 1 inputs the result of reading the identification information (barcode) of the sample rack 1 or the sample container 2 before being transported by the main transport line 20 to the computer 40. The identification information reading device 58 provided in the temporary storage unit 22 reads the barcode of the sample rack or the sample container when the sample rack 1 enters and exits the temporary storage unit 22 and transmits the barcode to the entire computer 40.

Reagent bottles 12 for various analysis items stored in the reagent supply sections of the respective analysis units 3A to 3G,
In 12A and 12B, reagent identification information is displayed on the outer wall thereof in the form of a barcode or the like. The reagent identification information includes a reagent manufacturing lot number, a size of a reagent bottle, a usable amount of a reagent solution, an expiration date, a sequence number different for each bottle, an analysis item code, and the like. Such reagent identification information is read by a barcode reading device, and is associated with each of the analysis units 3A to 3G. The reagent identification information is obtained from the setting position of the reagent bottle in the reagent supply unit, the usable liquid amount, and the single dispensed amount. The calculated number of possible analyzes of the reagent, the type of the analysis item, the number of the analyzer in which the reagent is stored, and the like are registered in the storage unit 45.

The main transport line 20 includes a transport belt on which the sample rack 1 is placed and a belt driving motor, and is controlled by a control unit to continuously transport the sample rack to a desired position. Each of the sampling lines 4A to 4G can intermittently move the transport belt so as to stop the rack at the rack retracting position, the dispensing position, and the rack sending position. The sample rack 1 transported by the main transport line 20 is moved along the row of analysis units, stopped in front of the analysis unit specified by the control device, and immediately subjected to the analysis performed by the rack transfer mechanism (described later). The unit is moved to the rack drawing-in position of the sampling line. The sample rack 1 for which the sample dispensing operation has been completed at the dispensing position is delivered from the rack sending position of the sampling line onto the main transport line 20 by the rack transfer mechanism.

An example of the configuration of a dispenser type analyzer is as follows.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The reaction section 5A of the analyzer 3A includes two concentric rows of reaction vessels each having a translucent reaction vessel 46a, and separates light transmitted through the reaction vessel 46A from the light source 14a for each reaction vessel row to obtain a plurality of wavelengths. Is provided with a multi-wavelength photometer 15a that receives light. A sample pipettor pump 47 is provided near the reaction section 5A so as to act on each reaction vessel row.
a sample dispenser 48 having a pipette nozzle connected to a
a and the first connected to the reagent dispenser pump 60.
Reagent nozzle group holder 64 and second reagent nozzle group holder 6
6, a first stirring mechanism 65, a second stirring mechanism 67, and a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 19a. Reagent cooler 6
Inside 2, reagent bottles 12 of a first reagent and a second reagent (only for a necessary analysis item) for a plurality of analysis items are arranged, and are cooled to a predetermined temperature. The reagent liquid in each reagent bottle 12 is supplied to the corresponding reagent discharge nozzle on the reaction vessel row by a reagent dispenser pump 60 via a tube. In this case, the analyzer 3A shown in FIG.
The dispenser type reagent supply section 32 includes the reagent dispenser pump 60 of FIG. 2, a reagent cool box 62 having a large number of reagent bottles 12, a first reagent nozzle group holding section 64, a second reagent nozzle group holding section 66, and the like. .

The individual sample racks 1 supplied from the rack sending section 17 are transported by the main transport line 20 and are transferred to the sampling line 4A of the analysis unit 3A when the analysis processing by the analysis unit 3A is necessary. . The sample on the sample rack 1 that has come to the dispensing position is a sample dispenser 48a.
A predetermined amount is pipetted and dispensed into the reaction container 46a by the pipette nozzle. Reagents corresponding to the analysis items are discharged into the reaction container at predetermined positions on the reaction container row,
The reaction proceeds. After a predetermined time, the reacted liquid in the reaction vessel 46a is measured for optical characteristics by the multi-wavelength photometer 15a. The signal output from the multi-wavelength photometer 15a is processed by the logarithmic converter 30a and the analog / digital converter 31a under the control of the analysis unit computer 6A, and transmitted to the overall control computer 40. The dispenser-type analysis units 3F and 3G have the same configuration as the analysis unit 3A.

Next, an example of the configuration of a pipetting type analysis unit will be described with reference to FIG. In the reaction container 46b arranged in the reaction section 5B of the analysis unit 3B, the reaction between the sample and the reagent related to a predetermined analysis item proceeds. The sample rack 1 moved from the main transport line 20 to the sampling line 4B (FIG. 1) is positioned at the dispensing position, and the sample indicated by the pipette nozzle of the sample dispenser 48b is collected and transferred to the reaction container 46b. A predetermined amount of the sample is ejected. The sample dispenser 48b has a sample pipettor pump 47b. The reaction unit 5B is maintained at a constant temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) by a constant temperature liquid supplied from the constant temperature bath 10.

The pipettor type reagent supply section 26 of the analysis unit of FIG. 3 has two reagent disks 26A and 26B for a first reagent and a second reagent. Reagent bottles 12A and 1 containing various reagents prepared for a number of analysis items
2B, reagent identification information is displayed by bar codes on their outer walls, and the reagent bottles 12A and 12B
Are placed on the reagent disks 26A and 26B, the reagent identification information of each reagent bottle is read by the barcode readers 23A and 23B, and the information is set at the set position of the reagent bottle on the reagent disk, the corresponding analysis item, The reagent bottle is registered in the storage unit 45 together with the analysis unit number set therein. Each of the reagent dispensers 8A and 8B includes a reagent pipette pump 11 connected to each of the pipette nozzles that can pivot and move up and down.

The row of the reaction containers 46b into which the sample has been dispensed is rotated and moved, and a predetermined amount of the reagent solution is sucked by the reagent dispenser 8A from the reagent bottle 12A positioned at the reagent suction position according to the analysis item. The first reagent is discharged to the reaction container 46b at the reagent addition position. After the contents are agitated by the agitating mechanism 13A at the agitating position, the reaction vessel row is transported a plurality of times, and when the reaction vessel 46b reaches the second reagent adding position, the reagent dispenser 8B sets the reagent according to the analysis item. A reagent solution is sucked from the reagent bottle 12B positioned at the suction position, and the reagent is discharged into the reaction container. Next, the contents of the reaction vessel are stirred by the stirring mechanism 13B. Thereafter, with the rotation and transfer of the row of reaction vessels, the reaction vessel 46b passes the light beam from the light source 14b, and the light transmitted through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 46b is detected by the multi-wavelength photometer 15b. The signal of the wavelength corresponding to the analysis item is processed by the logarithmic converter 30b and the analog / digital converter 31b controlled by the computer 6B on the analyzer side, and the digital signal is transmitted to the computer 40 for overall control. The measured reaction vessel 46b is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 19b and reused. The analysis units 3C, 3D and 3E have the same configuration as the analysis unit 3B.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described.

Before the sample rack 1 is set in the rack sending section 17, the analysis item for which a test request has been issued from the request source to each sample is registered in advance in the overall control computer 40 from the operation section 42 together with each sample number. Is done. The analysis condition information of each analysis item is stored in the floppy disk memory 4
1 is stored. Of the analysis conditions, the analysis item code is composed of five digits. The analysis condition parameters that should be used in common by multiple analysis units for the same type of analysis items include the measurement wavelength in the photometer, sample collection amount, calibration curve calibration method, standard solution concentration, number of standard solutions, and abnormal analysis values. Check limit value. Among the analysis condition parameters, the parameters stored for each reagent bottle are the required number of reagents from the first reagent to the fourth reagent, the code of the reagent bottle consisting of a five-digit number, and the amount of reagent dispensed. , The number of analyzable tests per reagent bottle. The analysis units 3A, 3B and 3C transfer the serum sample and the analysis unit 3
The unit conditions are set so that D and 3E can receive a plasma sample, and the analysis units 3F and 3G can each receive a urine sample, and the acceptable control type is registered in the overall control computer together with the analysis unit number.

As the reagent bottles are stored in the reagent supply sections of the analysis units 3A to 3G, the reagent identification information of each reagent bottle is registered in the overall control computer 40 in association with the analysis unit number. In this case, reagents for the same type of analysis item are stored in a plurality of analysis units of the same group that handle the same sample type. For example, in the case of a serum sample, the analysis units 3A, 3B, and 3C are treated as the same group. Among them, the reagent supply unit 32 of the analysis unit 3A includes, for example, a liver function test item with a large number of sample requests. GOT, GPT and reagent bottles for calcium, UA, and BUN, which are urgent test items, are stored in the reagent supply unit 26 of the analysis unit 3B. For example, GOT, GPT, which are liver function test items, and a small number of test requests. Reagent bottles for other analysis items are stored, and the reagent supply unit 27 of the analysis unit 3C includes, for example, calcium, UA, BUN, which are urgent test items, and reagent bottles for other analyzers with a small number of test requests. Is stored. Therefore, the liver function test item can be analyzed and processed by the two analyzers 3A and 3B, and the urgent test item can be analyzed by the two analyzers 3A.
And 3C enable analysis processing. The number of analyzers and what kind of reagents for analysis items are to be stored in an overlapping manner is determined by the operator according to the actual conditions of the examination room in each facility.

As each of the reagent bottles 12, 12A, and 12B is stored in each reagent supply unit, the reagent identification information provided on the reagent bottle is read, and the reagent bottle code is used as a key and the analysis condition parameter is already used. The registered information is searched, and the analysis item corresponding to the reagent bottle,
The size of the bottle, the number of tests that can be analyzed, the set position of the reagent bottle, and the like are associated with each other and registered in the overall control computer 40. At the same time, the maximum number of times of analysis based on the total number of reagent bottles for the same type of analysis item in a plurality of analysis units capable of performing the same type of analysis is also registered and displayed on the CRT 43 as necessary.

After the corresponding reagents for the analysis items required for each analysis unit are stored, the calibration curves for all the analysis items that can be analyzed by the analysis unit are prepared for each analysis unit prior to the sample analysis processing. The calibration operation is performed respectively. Since the calibration values of the calibration curve differ depending on the reagent bottles set in each analysis unit, the calibration curve calibration results obtained in each analysis unit for each analysis item are stored in the storage unit 45 of the overall control computer 40. These calibration results are used for the concentration calculation when the corresponding analysis item is analyzed in each analysis unit.

When one of the sample racks 1 placed on the rack sending section 17 is pushed out toward the main transport line 20, the identification information of the sample rack 1 or the identification information of the sample container 2 is accordingly generated. Is read by the identification information reading device 50. The sample type on the sample rack 1 is determined by the overall control computer 40 based on the read information, and an analysis unit group that is set in advance for the sample type is selected. One of the analysis unit groups is determined as the sample transport destination. Here, for example, a serum sample is determined,
Analysis unit 3A, 3 to which the sample rack is to be transported
It is assumed that the groups B and 3C are selected.

Further, with the reading of the sample identification information, the registration status of the sample number and the analysis item is collated, and the analysis item instructed to be measured for each sample on the sample rack 1 is determined. The analysis items are analysis units 3A and 3B
And 3C should be analyzed by
The determination is made by the overall control computer 40. In this case, the overall control computer 40 monitors the number of analysis items for which analysis processing has already been instructed for each analyzer and how long it takes to dispense those samples. In particular, for a specific analysis item that can be analyzed by a plurality of analysis units, it is determined which analysis unit is more efficient in performing the analysis process on the analysis item. For example, the specific analysis item G
Regarding the OT and the GPT, it is determined which of the analysis units 3A and 3B has the smallest number of samples waiting to be processed at that time, and the one with the shorter waiting time is designated as the designated analysis unit. In addition to such a method of automatically specifying an analysis unit to analyze and process a specific analysis item according to the degree of busyness between a plurality of analysis units, the operator needs to operate the operation unit 4 in advance.
It is also possible to use a designation method in which the priority order of the analysis units to be used for the processing of each analysis item is input from 2.

A sample rack 1 having a sample to be analyzed for a specific analysis item and having a transport destination (for example, the analyzer 3B) determined.
Is continuously transported by the main transport line 20 to the designated analyzer 3B, and stopped before the entrance of the analysis unit 3B to the sampling line 4B. Next, the sample rack 1 is moved to the sampling line 4B, and a predetermined sample is dispensed to the reaction section 5B by the sample dispenser 48b at the dispensing position, and then returned to the main transport line 20. When the analysis items to be analyzed by another analysis unit remain in the sample on the sample rack 1, the sample rack 1 is transported to the analysis unit 3C by the main transport line 20, and
The sample is transferred to the sampling line 4C and dispensed. The remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent bottle for each analysis item in each analysis unit is monitored by the overall control computer 40. As a method of monitoring the remaining amount of the reagent, a method based on detecting the reagent liquid level in the reagent bottle when dispensing the reagent by a liquid level detector provided in the reagent pipette nozzle, or dispensing the reagent Each time is used, a method of subtracting the number of analyzable times input in advance is adopted. In either case, whether or not the amount of reagent for the analysis item is insufficient is determined by determining by the overall control computer 40 whether or not the remaining number of analyzable times has reached a predetermined value. You. The predetermined value in this case is that the remaining number is zero times,
A small number, such as once or twice, is set. For example, when it is determined that the GOT reagent in the designated analysis unit 3B is insufficient, the GOT analysis processing by the analysis unit 3B is stopped, and at the same time, the GOT analysis processing by the analysis unit 3A in which the GOT reagent remains sufficiently. The switching operation of the analyzer is controlled so as to be possible. Therefore, a sample to be subjected to GOT analysis processing thereafter is conveyed to another analysis unit 3A having the next priority, and GOT analysis processing is performed.

The control device in the embodiment of FIG. 1 knows which analysis unit is instructing the analysis processing of each analysis item, and the data is stored in the storage unit 45. The overall control computer 40 stores information on which analysis unit each analysis item is being processed in a memory table, and when requested by an operator, lists the information as a list and displays it on the CRT 43 on a screen. Let me know.

In the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG.
A to 3G can be instructed to start and stop the respective operations by key operation of the operation unit 42, and based on such instruction information from the operation unit, the overall control computer 40 is stopped. The sample rack 1 from the rack sending unit 17 is transported via the main transport line 20 only to the remaining analysis units except the analysis unit. Especially,
In a time period when the number of requested samples is small and the urgent sample is mainly inspected, such as at night, for example, only the analysis unit 3C for serum samples and the analyzer 3G for urine samples are put into operation. It can be operated to stop the remaining analysis units. During the time period when the number of requested samples increases, the plurality of stopped analysis units are restarted.

In the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when an abnormal situation occurs in one of the analysis units and the analysis processing by the analysis unit becomes impossible, the same analysis processing is replaced by another analysis unit. Thus, the control device instructs the transport of the sample rack to another analysis unit and the analysis processing by another analysis unit. For example, by setting reagents for a plurality of analysis items in duplicate in the two analysis units 3B and 3C, the analysis processing can be performed without interrupting the analysis operation for the plurality of analysis items.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the rack transfer mechanism.
As the rack transfer mechanism, a transfer robot having a rack gripping arm, a mechanism having an extruding lever for pushing a sample rack from one of the main transport line and the sampling line to the other, or the like is used. FIG. 4 belongs to the former type.

Main transport line 20 and sampling line 7
5 (4A to 4G in FIG. 1), a connection passage 70 having a width in which the sample rack 1 can move is formed. The rack transfer mechanism is provided above the connection passage 70, and is provided with a driving pulley 71, a driven pulley 72, and a driving pulley 71 mounted on a driving shaft of the motor.
The belt 73 and the belt 7 placed between these pulleys
3 has a gripping device 74 composed of a pair of openable and closable fingers. In FIG. 4, the connection passage 70,
The sampling line 75, the motor and the driving pulley 71, the driven pulley 72, the belt 73, and the gripping device 74 attached to the driving shaft of the motor are provided not in the main line but in each analysis unit. ing.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the gripping device 74 is waiting for the sample rack 1 to arrive on the main transport line. In this state, the sample rack 1 is gripped by the gripping device 74 and the motor is rotated so that the gripping device 74 is held.
When the sample rack 1 is moved to the position of the sampling line 75 via the connection passage 70 and the sample rack 1 is released from the holding of the holding device 74, the sample rack 1 can be moved onto the sampling line 75. Of course, when returning the sample rack 1 thus moved on the sampling line 75 to the main transport line 20, the reverse operation may be performed.

The above is a description of the analysis (inspection) operation.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the system configuration is set prior to the analysis. That is, the relationship between the used analysis unit and the position where the analysis unit is arranged, that is, the setting of the analysis unit at which position the analysis unit is arranged and the analysis of what combination the arranged analysis unit is used. The contents of the setting of the path and the setting of the analysis item for each analysis unit, which analysis item is to be analyzed by each analysis unit, are stored in the storage unit 45 of the computer 40 for overall control.
Before explaining the system setting, a brief description of matters that are useful for understanding the system setting will be given below.

The number of analysis units to be used may be arbitrarily set, but when this number is set to n, 2 n possible combinations of analysis units, that is, analysis paths can be set. For simplicity, four analysis units are used, two of which are analysis units P1 and P2 using a pipettor system as a reagent supply system, and the other two use a dispenser system as a reagent supply system. The analysis units are D1 and D2.

For the sake of simplicity, FIG.
As shown in (2) and (3), it is assumed that there are roughly three analysis routes. FIG. 5 (1) shows a type in which the sample control rack is automatically selected and determined by the overall control computer according to the analysis item requested in which analysis unit should be stopped in what order.
From this point of view, the analysis path shown in FIG.
Called the shape analysis path.

FIG. 5 (2) shows a parallel type, in which the analysis units P1, D1 and P2, D2 are connected in series, respectively, and the two series sets are connected in parallel. FIG. 5 (3) shows a hybrid type, in which analysis units P1 and P2 and D1 and D2 are connected in parallel, respectively, and two parallel sets are connected in series.

The analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis units P1, P2, D1 and D2 are determined by item setting described later.
It is assumed that the analysis items that can be analyzed by P2 and P2 are the same, and that the analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis units D1 and D2 are also the same. Then, in FIG. 5 (2), the first analysis path formed by connecting the analysis units P1 and D1 in series and the analysis unit P1
The second analysis path formed by connecting 2 and D2 in series is the same as each other. That is, two identical analysis paths exist. According to a similar concept, in FIG. 5C, there are four identical analysis paths.

In any of the cases shown in FIGS. 5 (2) and 5 (3), which analysis path among several fixed same analysis paths is selected and used is determined by the overall control computer. . In addition, the selection and determination are, for example, whether or not the analysis route is empty, whether or not there are sufficient reagents, and if all the analysis routes are acceptable,
The analysis paths are performed according to a predetermined selection criterion, such as that the analysis paths should be used in the order of the youngest number. Here, the analysis paths in FIGS. 6 (2) and (3) are “fixed”.
Called the shape analysis path.

Therefore, the system settings will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. First, the analysis unit is set (1). This is a step of determining and registering what kind of analysis unit is placed at which position. Next, the order in which the sample rack should be dropped by which analysis unit, that is, the analysis route is determined and registered. For this purpose, first, a determination is made as to whether the combination (analysis path) of the analysis units to be set is “automatic” type or “fixed” type (2), and when the determination is “automatic”, each analysis is performed. The analysis item to be analyzed by the unit is set for each analysis unit (3). Specifically, for the analysis units P1 and P2, analysis items such as BUN, CRE, Ca, and CRE are set together so that the same analysis item can be analyzed. These analysis items are generally known as analysis items requiring urgent analysis.
Similarly, the analysis units D1 and D2 are also AST and A together so as to be able to analyze the same analysis item, for example.
Analysis items such as LT, LD, ALP, TP, and ALB are set. These analysis items are generally known as analysis items for general analysis including the above-mentioned analysis items.

If the determination is made in step (2) to be "fixed", it is specified whether the analysis path is parallel or hybrid (4), and thereafter, as in step (3). The analysis items are set for each analysis unit (5).

The settings in steps (1) to (5) can be made by observing a setting screen generated by the general control computer and displayed on the CRT 43. The generation and display of the setting screen itself can be realized within the range of known ordinary technology.

First, a setting screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. However, it is assumed that the part shown by the broken line in the figure is not displayed at the initial stage. On this setting screen,
Click the button "Analysis unit setting"
The setting screen of FIG. 8 is displayed. This display may be performed on a part of the setting screen in FIG. 8, may be replaced with the setting screen in FIG. 8 as a whole, or may be displayed.
May be displayed in a place completely independent of the setting screen of the. For simplicity, the setting screen of FIG. 8 is displayed independently of the setting screen 4 of FIG. The same applies to other setting screens appearing thereafter.

Now, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the analysis route shown in FIG. 5 (2) is designated and set. In FIG. 8, the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are displayed as shown in the figure on an installation position (arrangement position) display portion (left side of a symbol display portion for specifying the analysis unit) of the analysis unit, and further, the analysis unit is displayed. Symbols P1, P2,
D1 and D2 are displayed on the symbol display portions as shown in the figure. As a result, the analysis units P1, P2, D1, and D2 are installed (arranged) at the installation positions 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and are stored and registered in the storage unit of the general control computer. This step is step (1).

Next, in FIG. 7, when a button "designation of analysis route" is clicked, a setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Here, the analysis route is “fixed” or “automatic”
The selection is made by clicking one of the buttons. In the case of the figure, it indicates that the “fixed” type analysis path has been selected. This step is step (2). When “fixed” is selected, a setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. The analysis route to be specified is shown in FIG.
Since the analysis path is of the “fixed” type shown in (2), the analysis units P1 and D1 are used for the first analysis path number 1 in FIG. 10, and the analysis units P2 and D2 are used for the second analysis path number 2 in FIG. Are respectively designated, whereby the analysis paths are stored and registered in the storage unit of the general control computer. This step is step (4). When this step is completed, the screen display in FIG. 7 is changed to a screen display including a portion indicated by a broken line.

Finally, in FIG. 7, when a button "item setting" is clicked, a setting screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. FIG. 11 shows an analysis item setting screen when D1 is designated as the analysis unit number. In this case, according to the example described with reference to FIG.
AST, AL corresponding to 2,3,4,5,6
Analysis items T, LD, ALP, TP, and ALB are input from the operation unit, and are stored and registered in the storage unit of the general control computer. The analysis items are set for other analysis units in the same manner. That is, the same analysis number as that of the analysis unit D1 is registered for the analysis unit D2, and the reagent position numbers 1, 2, 3, and 3 for the analysis units P1 and P2.
4, the analysis items BUN, CRE, Ca, and CRP are input and registered. This step is step (5). This step is of course step (3)
The same is true.

BUN, CRE, C set as analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis units P1 and P2
As described above, the analysis items such as a and CRP belong to the urgent inspection (analysis) item among the analysis items for general (inspection) analysis. At night, it is common to analyze only the urgent inspection (analysis) items in the general inspection (analysis) items. In an embodiment of the present invention, in such a case, instead of operating all the combinations of the analysis units used,
Prior to analysis, only the analysis unit P1 or P2 can be stored and registered as the analysis unit to be used, so that only the analysis unit P1 or P2 can be used. That is, when the button “analysis unit” in FIG. 7 is clicked, the setting screen shown in FIG. 8 is generated and displayed. In this figure, for example, the analysis units P2 and D
The analysis units P2 and D in the box on the right side of the symbol display part for specifying the analysis unit so that only the analysis unit P1 can be used without using the analysis unit P1 and D2.
Click the boxes corresponding to 1, D2 to add x
When the mark is added, the setting screen is as shown in FIG. As a result, only the analysis unit P1 is stored and registered in the storage unit of the general control computer for analyzing the urgent analysis item. Therefore, when the analysis is started, only the analysis unit P1 operates, and the analysis unit analyzes the urgent analysis item.

If the mark "x" is released, the system can be returned to the original state.

From the above description, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the analysis units can be exchanged.
It is understood that since the flexibility of the system configuration is increased and only the analysis unit dedicated to the emergency test is operated in the case of the emergency test, the running cost at the time of the emergency test is reduced.

[0050]

According to the present invention, there is provided a sample analysis system in which the flexibility of the system configuration is increased and the running cost in the case of an emergency test is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a sample analysis system showing one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a dispenser-type analyzer in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a pipetting method analysis method in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a sample transfer mechanism in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of analysis units to help the understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a system setting according to the present invention.
Chart.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a system setting screen display when performing a system configuration based on the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a display example of an analysis unit setting screen in performing a system configuration based on the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of an analysis route designation screen when performing a system configuration based on the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an analysis route setting screen in performing a system configuration based on the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of an analysis item setting screen in performing a system configuration based on the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a display example of an analysis unit setting screen when an emergency test is performed in performing a system configuration according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: sample rack, 2: sample container, 3A to 3G: analysis unit, 4A to 4G: sampling line, 5A to 5G:
Reaction part, 12, 12A, 12B: reagent bottle, 15A,
15B: multi-wavelength photometer, 17: rack sending section, 18 rack collecting section, 20: main transport line, 26A, 26B: reagent disk, 26 to 29, 32 to 34: reagent supply section, 4
0: computer for overall control, 45: storage unit, 50 to 5
8: identification information reading device, 70: connection passage, 71: driven pulley, 72: driven pulley, 73: belt, 74: gripping device.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Maki 882 Mage, Oaza-shi, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Pref.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A transport line for transporting a sample, a plurality of analysis units arranged so as to be interchangeable along the transport line, and the sample being analyzed from the transport line so as to analyze the sample. And a sample moving device for moving the analyzed sample to the transport line, wherein a combination of the plurality of analysis units is set for general analysis, and a predetermined analysis unit different from the combination is set. Is set for emergency analysis, and a combination of the plurality of analysis units and the predetermined analysis unit are selected and used according to the urgency of analysis. 2. The sample analysis system according to claim 1, wherein said setting can be performed through observation of a setting screen. 3. A transport line for transporting a sample, a plurality of analysis units arranged so as to be interchangeable along the transport line, and the sample being analyzed from the transport line so as to analyze the sample. Move to the unit, a sample moving device that moves the analyzed sample to the transport line, and a combination of the analysis unit and a predetermined analysis unit different from the combination for general analysis and observation through the setting screen, respectively. A sample analysis system comprising: a generation and display device that generates and displays the setting screen so as to be set for emergency analysis; and a unit that stores the set combination and a predetermined analysis unit. . 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the generation and display device has a function of generating and displaying a screen for setting a relationship between the arrangement position of the analysis unit and the analysis unit arranged at the arrangement position. Sample analysis system. 5. The specimen according to claim 3, wherein the generation and display device has a function of generating and displaying a screen for setting an analysis item to be analyzed by the weapon unit. Analysis system.